Most people love weddings. Whether it is the cake, the music, the decor, the food, or even the bride’s dress – there is always something to look forward to at weddings. But so much goes into the background before any wedding can be perfect. One of these elements includes the wedding photographer.
When you hire a great wedding photographer, you can be sure that all the work you put into this special day can be remembered forever. On top of that, many vendors that work to make a wedding successful also look forward to the end photographs for their portfolio. So, it is not just about the couple or the family of the couple. It is about capturing the best versions of the day for everyone.
How can you pick the right wedding photographer to fulfill this role? Here are ten questions you can ask further to streamline your list and land at the top pick:
Are you free on my wedding day?
If you are working with top photographers, there is a big chance someone has already booked them for another wedding on your date. So it’ll be a bummer if you already paid and then you ask for a refund before proper inquiries. Ask the photographer if they’d be available on your wedding date for the number of hours you wish to pay for.
How many other weddings will you photograph that weekend?
It is not enough to be available on that date; you also need to know if they can give you complete attention. It is the same when the photographer is not around, and you have a fraction of the attention. You will get fewer details, and even the images will turn out differently.
Will you be the one shooting my wedding?
You must be sure of who you will see at your wedding, including the photographer. If the person you met won’t be the one shooting, ask if you can meet the photographer who will be on-site.
Will you have any assistants with you on our wedding day?
Assistants could improve things, but if the photographer you wish to work with does not need or ask for assistants, that is not a wrong choice. The only thing is that you need to be sure that the photographer can genuinely handle the wedding without assistants; or that the assistant, if any, is as good as the main photographer.
Have You Shot at Our Venue Before? If Not, Are You Willing to Check Out the Venue in Advance?
When it comes to wedding photography, it is not just about the people or the items; it is also about the location and the ability to use the background to take a memorable photo. If the photographer has visited the venue before, everything is okay because they would have known the excellent spots for wedding photos. But if the photographer hasn’t been there before, invite them over.
Are you okay working with our wedding planner?
If you’d be having a wedding planner on board or any other vendor, it is recommended that you ask if the photographer is willing to work alongside the other vendors. There could sometimes be clashes between opinions and perspectives. But if you ask beforehand, the two can always meet to discuss the plan for the wedding and any other arrangements.
How do you work?
This is an essential question. You need to be fully aware of how the photographer takes their pictures to know if they are a good fit for you and your partner. Here are a few sub-questions that you might want to ask as well:
- Do you like to blend in with the crowd or stand out and get involved when taking pictures?
- Do you prefer candid approaches or portrait photography?
- What is your editing style like?
- Are you better with indoor or outdoor photography?
- Do you offer other services like frames, albums, films, prints, digital photos, and so on?
How much are your packages, and what do they entail?
Every photographer offers different packages. While some state them on their website, others request a consultation for a custom package. Either way, it is always best to ask so that you can be aware of what you’ll be getting. Also, ask for the price, and don’t hesitate to negotiate.
Do you have a backup plan?
You must also ask for their backup plans for equipment failure, weather changes, sudden unavailability, etc. If there is a precise backup plan, you can be sure you will get quality, no matter the situation.
Can You Share a Full Gallery of a Recent Wedding You Shot?
Despite all of these questions, asking for a catalog of photos to look at won’t hurt. When you glimpse how they shoot, you can have a mental picture of what you’ll get.
Conclusion
Though there are many other questions, these ten are the most important. With these questions, you would know if they’d be available, who would be shooting, their backup plan, how they work, if they can work with your venue, and how much everything will cost. Don’t also forget that photographers offer different services. So, compare two or more offers to choose which photographer works best for you and will make your wedding day unforgettable.